H - 59 The Utility of Neuropsychology in the U.S. Naturalization Process: an Unexplored Opportunity in Multicultural Practice, Training, and Advocacy.

Abstract

This project reviewed literature related to evaluating U.S. citizenship applicants seeking exemption from the naturalization exams due to cognitive and/or psychological impairment. U.S. Naturalization rates are rising, and neuropsychologists are especially qualified to conduct evaluations to determine eligibility for test waiver. Exploring this topic may contribute to improvements in service provision and advocacy for citizenship applicants, a historically underserved group. Data extraction occurred in April of 2023. Sources derived from The Clinical Neuropsychologist, PsycNet, Google Scholar, and Widener University's library database. Search phrases combined "neuropsychology" with (1) "U.S. citizenship tests," (2) "U.S. citizenship exemption," and (3) "Form N-648." Result pages one through five were examined, and any source referencing "neuropsychology" and "citizenship," "exemption," "Form N-648," "U.S. citizens," "U.S. citizenship," and/or "waiver" was selected. Ten scholarly articles, two book chapters, two presentations, and one poster abstract fit the above criteria for review. Information was limited to brief statements about naturalization and acknowledgment that test exemption exists, and case illustrations where exemption was considered. However, none of the results provided specific strategies to help guide neuropsychologists who are less familiar with this process, but still called upon to evaluate and determine eligibility for test waiver. There is a marked absence of neuropsychology literature regarding assessment for exemption from the U.S. citizenship exams. Given the socioeconomic benefits afforded with naturalization, this absence seems to represent a gap in the field. Future research and collaboration with allied networks may pose a novel way to broaden neuropsychology's relevance and optimize services for citizenship applicants.